Main Entry: pre·empt
Pronunciation: pr-em(p)t
Function: verb1 a: to settle upon (as public land) with the right to purchase before others b: to take by such a right2: to take before someone else can : APPROPRIATE <preempt a seat at the stadium>3: to take the place of <the president's speech preempted the regular program> - pre·emp·tion /-em(p)-shn/ noun- pre·emp·tive /-em(p)-tiv/ adjective- pre·emp·tor /-tr/ noun